A review conducted by CUNY SPH Ph.D. candidate Thinh Vu highlights the exacerbation of alcohol misuse in New York City due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among minoritized populations who were already facing disproportionate health challenges.
As one of the pandemic's epicenters, the city has witnessed a troubling rise in binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption , driven by factors such as social isolation , psychological distress , and increased alcohol availability. The pandemic's impact has intensified these issues, with many individuals turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism against the various stressors brought on by COVID-19. The situation is particularly alarming in minoritized communities, where the effects of alcohol misuse are compounded by pre-existing social inequities.
"Addressing alcohol misuse in New York City requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach," says Vu. "This includes stricter policies on liquor store hours, tighter regulations on alcohol marketing, and pricing strategies such as increasing taxes and setting floor minimum prices. "We must also consider the stricter privatization of retail alcohol sales as a means to control consumption.
" The review, published in the Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy , suggests that integrating alcohol misuse treatment with mental health services , particularly in primary care settings, is essential to mitigate the negative interactions between mental health and alcohol misuse , w.